Oxford Essential Dictionary
keep
verb (keeps, keeping, kept /, has kept)
1 to stay in a particular state or condition:
Keep still (= don't move) – while I take your photo.
We tried to keep warm.
2 to make somebody or something stay in a particular state or condition:
Keep this door closed.
I'm sorry to keep you waiting.
3 to continue to have something:
You can keep that book – I don't need it.
4 to put or store something in a particular place:
Where do you keep the coffee?
5 to continue doing something; to do something many times:
Keep driving until you see the cinema, then turn left.
She keeps forgetting my name.
6 to look after and buy food and other things for a person or an animal:
It costs a lot to keep a family of four.
They keep sheep and pigs on their farm.
7 to stay fresh:
Will this fish keep until tomorrow?
keep away from somebody or something to not go near somebody or something:
Keep away from the river, children.
keep somebody from doing something to stop somebody from doing something:
You can't keep me from going out!
keep going to continue:
I was very tired but I kept going to the end of the race.
keep off something to not go on something:
Keep off the grass!
keep on doing something to continue doing something; to do something many times:
We kept on driving all night!
That man keeps on looking at me.
keep out to stay outside:
The sign on the door said 'Danger. Keep out!'
keep somebody or something out to stop somebody or something from going in:
We put a fence round the garden to keep the sheep out.
keep up with somebody or something to go as fast as another person or thing so that you are together:
Don't walk so quickly – I can't keep up with you.
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
keep
I. keep1 S1 W1 /kiːp/ BrE AmE verb (past tense and past participle kept /kept/)
[Word Family: noun: ↑keep, ↑keeper, ↑keeping; verb: ↑keep; adjective: kept]
[Language: Old English; Origin: cepan]
1. NOT CHANGE [linking verb, transitive] to stay in a particular state, condition, or position, or to make someone or something do this
keep (somebody/something) warm/safe/dry etc
We huddled around the fire to keep warm.
keep calm/awake/sane etc
I was struggling to keep awake.
keep something clean/tidy
Keep your room tidy.
keep somebody busy/amused/occupied
some toys to keep the kids amused
You won’t be able to keep it secret for ever.
Peter cycles to work to keep fit.
Don’t keep us in suspense any longer!
keep (somebody/something) away/back/off/out etc
The police put up barriers to keep the crowds back.
If I were you, I’d keep away from that area at night.
a sign saying ‘Danger: Keep Out’
The little boy kept close to his mother.
keep (somebody) out of something
Keep him out of trouble.
You keep out of this, Mother (=do not get involved). It’s no concern of yours.
How can I cut your hair if you won’t keep still!
keep left/right (=stay to the left or right of a path or road as you move)
keep somebody/something doing something
Jane kept the engine running.
2. CONTINUE DOING SOMETHING [intransitive] (also keep on) to continue doing something or to do the same thing many times
keep (on) doing something
I keep thinking about Joe, all alone in that place.
I keep telling you, but you won’t listen!
She pretended not to hear, and kept on walking.
► Do not say ‘keep up doing something'. Say keep doing something or keep on doing something.
3. NOT GIVE BACK [transitive] to have something and not give it back to the person who had it before:
You can keep it. I don’t need it anymore.
4. NOT LOSE [transitive] to continue to have something and not lose it or get rid of it:
We decided to keep our old car instead of selling it.
I kept his letters for years.
In spite of everything, Robyn’s managed to keep her sense of humor.
5. STORE SOMETHING [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to leave something in one particular place so that you can find it easily:
Where do you keep your teabags?
George kept a bottle of whiskey under his bed.
6. MAKE SOMEBODY STAY IN A PLACE [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to make someone stay in a place, especially a prison or hospital:
He was kept in prison for a week without charge.
7. DELAY SOMEBODY [transitive] to delay someone:
He should be here by now. What’s keeping him?
8. DO WHAT YOU PROMISED [transitive] to do what you have promised or agreed to do
keep your word/promise
How do I know you’ll keep your word?
patients who fail to keep their appointments
9. keep a secret to not tell anyone about a secret that you know:
Can I trust you to keep a secret?
10. keep something quiet/keep quiet (about something) to not say anything in order to avoid telling a secret or causing problems
11. keep a record/account/diary etc to regularly record written information somewhere
12. keep going
a) keep (somebody) going to have or to give someone enough hope and emotional strength to continue living and doing things in a bad situation:
That woman’s been through such a lot – I don’t know how she keeps going.
Her letters were the only thing that kept me going while I was in prison.
b) keep (something) going if you keep a business, institution, regular event etc going, you keep it open or make it continue to happen:
The library costs £5 million a year to run, and the council can’t afford to keep it going.
c) keep going to continue doing something difficult:
Persevere and keep going until you reach your ideal weight.
d) keep somebody going if something keeps you going, it is enough to satisfy your need while you are waiting to get something bigger or better:
I’ll have a biscuit to keep me going until dinner time.
13. FOOD [intransitive] if food keeps, it stays fresh enough to be eaten:
Eat the salmon because it won’t keep till tomorrow.
14. ANIMALS [transitive] to own and look after animals:
We keep chickens and a couple of pigs.
15. STOP OTHER PEOPLE FROM USING SOMETHING [transitive] to stop other people from using something, so that it is available for someone SYN save:
Will you keep a seat for me?
16. keep somebody waiting to make someone wait before you meet them or see them:
Sorry to keep you waiting – I got stuck in a meeting.
17. keep guard/watch to guard a place or watch around you all the time
18. SHOP [transitive] British English old-fashioned to own a small business and work in it
19. PROVIDE SOMEBODY WITH THINGS [transitive] to provide someone with money, food etc:
He did not earn enough to keep a wife and children.
keep somebody in something
There’s enough money there to keep you in champagne for a year!
20. PROTECT [transitive] formal to guard or protect someone:
The Lord bless you and keep you.
His only thought was to keep the child from harm.
21. keep goal/wicket to be the player in a team whose job is to protect the ↑goal or ↑wicket ⇨ ↑goalkeeper, ↑wicket keeper
• • •
SPOKEN PHRASES
22. keep quiet used to tell someone not to say anything or make any noise:
Keep quiet! I’m trying to watch the game.
23. how are you keeping? used to ask if someone is well:
‘Hi, Mark! How are you keeping?’ ‘Oh, not so bad.’
24. keep your hair/shirt on! used to tell someone to be more calm, patient etc
25. somebody can keep something used to say that you do not want or are not interested in something:
She can keep her wild parties and posh friends – I like the quiet life.
26. it’ll keep used to say that you can tell someone something or do something later:
‘I don’t have time to listen now.’ ‘Don’t worry, it’ll keep.’
• • •
THESAURUS (for Meaning 5)
▪ keep to leave something in one particular place so that you can find it easily: Where do you keep the scissors? | The keys are kept in my office.
▪ store to put things away and keep them until you need them: Villagers have begun storing wood for the winter.
▪ save to keep something so that you can use or enjoy it in the future: He had been saving the bottle of champagne for a special occasion. | We can save the rest of the pie for later.
▪ file to store papers or information in a particular order or a particular place: All the contracts are filed alphabetically.
▪ collect to get and keep objects of the same type because you think they are attractive or interesting: Kate collects old postcards.
▪ hold to keep something to be used when it is needed, especially something that many different people may need to use: Medical records are now usually held on computers.
▪ reserve formal to keep part of something for use at a later time during a process such as cooking: Reserve some of the chocolate so that you can use it for decorating the cake.
▪ hoard to keep large amounts of food, money etc because you think you may not be able to get them in the future – used when you do not approve of people doing this because it is not necessary or not fair to other people: People have been hoarding food and fuel in case there is another attack. | Rationing of basic food products was introduced to prevent hoarding.
keep at something phrasal verb
1. keep at it spoken to continue to do something, although it is difficult or hard work:
I know it’s hard, but keep at it! Don’t give up!
2. keep somebody at something to force someone to continue to work hard and not let them stop
keep back phrasal verb
1. keep something ↔ back to deliberately not tell someone all that you know about something:
I got the feeling he was keeping something back.
2. keep something ↔ back to not show your feelings, even though you want to very much:
She was struggling to keep back the tears.
3. keep somebody ↔ back to prevent someone from being as successful as they could be SYN hold back:
Fear and stereotypes have kept women back for centuries.
4. keep something ↔ back especially British English to not give or pay something that you were going to give:
They kept back some of his wages to pay for the damage.
keep somebody/something ↔ down phrasal verb
1. to prevent the size, cost, or quantity of something from increasing or being too great:
We need to keep costs down.
2. to succeed in keeping food in your stomach, instead of bringing it up again out of your mouth, when you are ill:
I could hardly keep anything down for about three days.
3. used to ask someone to make less noise:
Keep your voice down – she’ll hear you!
Can you keep it down – I’m trying to work.
4. to prevent a group of people from becoming as successful and powerful as the other people in a society:
Plantation owners kept slaves down by refusing them an education.
keep from phrasal verb
1. keep (somebody/something) from something to prevent someone from doing something or prevent something from happening
keep somebody from (doing) something
His ex-wife had kept him from seeing his children.
I hope I haven’t kept you from your work.
keep something from doing something
Put the pizza in the bottom of the oven to keep the cheese from burning.
keep (yourself) from doing something
The play was so boring I could hardly keep myself from falling asleep.
2. keep something from somebody to prevent someone from knowing something, by deliberately not telling them about it SYN withhold:
The government had wanted to keep this information from the public.
keep somebody in phrasal verb
1. to make someone stay in hospital because they are too ill to go home:
They kept her in overnight for observation.
2. British English to force someone to stay inside, especially as a punishment in school
keep in with somebody phrasal verb British English
to try to stay friendly with someone, especially because this helps you:
It’s a good idea to keep in with the boss.
keep off phrasal verb
1. keep something ↔ off to prevent something from touching or harming something:
She held an old piece of cloth over them both to keep the rain off.
keep something off something
How are we going to keep the flies off this food?
2. keep your hands off somebody/something used to tell someone not to touch someone or something:
Keep your hands off me!
3. keep (somebody) off something to not eat, drink, or take something that is bad for you, or to stop someone else from eating, drinking, or taking it:
Keep off fatty foods.
a programme aimed at keeping teenagers off drugs
4. keep off something especially British English to avoid talking about a particular subject, especially so that you do not upset someone SYN avoid, stay off
5. keep something ↔ off if you keep weight off, you do not get heavier again after you have lost weight
6. British English if rain keeps off, it does not fall
keep on phrasal verb
1. to continue doing something, or to do something many times
keep on doing something
You just have to keep on trying.
2. keep somebody ↔ on to continue to employ someone, especially for longer than you had planned:
If you’re good, they might keep you on after Christmas.
3. British English informal to talk continuously about something or repeat something many times, in a way that is annoying SYN go on
keep on about
There’s no need to keep on and on about it!
keep on at
If I didn’t keep on at the children, they’d never do their homework.
keep to something phrasal verb
1. to stay on a particular road, course, piece of ground etc:
It’s best to keep to the paths.
2. to do what has been decided in an agreement or plan, or what is demanded by law:
Keep to the speed limits.
3. keep to the point/subject etc to talk or write only about the subject you are supposed to be talking about
4. keep something to something to prevent an amount, degree, or level from becoming higher than it should:
Costs must be kept to a minimum.
5. keep something to yourself to not tell anyone about something:
I’d appreciate it if you kept it to yourself.
6. keep to yourself (also keep yourself to yourself British English) to live a very quiet private life and not do many things that involve other people
keep up phrasal verb
1. keep something ↔ up to continue doing something:
I don’t think I can keep this up any longer.
keep up the good work! (=continue to work hard and well)
2. if a situation keeps up, it continues without stopping or changing SYN continue:
How long can the economic boom keep up?
3. to go as quickly as someone else
keep up with
I had to walk fast to keep up with him.
4. to manage to do as much or as well as other people OPP fall behind
keep up with
Jack’s having trouble keeping up with the rest of the class.
keep up with the Joneses (=try to have the same new impressive possessions that other people have)
5. to continue to read and learn about a particular subject, so that you always know about the most recent facts, products etc
keep up with
Employees need to keep up with the latest technical developments.
6. keep something ↔ up to make something continue at its present level or amount, instead of letting it decrease:
NATO kept up the pressure on the Serbs to get out of Kosovo.
7. if one process keeps up with another, it increases at the same speed and by the same amount
keep up with
Food production is not keeping up with population growth.
8. keep something ↔ up to continue to practise a skill so that you do not lose it:
I used to speak French, but I haven’t kept it up.
9. keep somebody up informal to prevent someone from going to bed:
I hope I’m not keeping you up.
10. keep your spirits/strength/morale etc up to stay happy, strong, confident etc by making an effort:
We sang as we marched, to keep our spirits up.
11. keep up appearances to pretend that everything in your life is normal and happy even though you are in trouble, especially financial trouble
keep up with somebody phrasal verb
to write to, telephone, or meet a friend regularly, so that you do not forget each other
Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
keep
keep [keep keeps kept keeping] verb, noun [kiːp] [kiːp]
verb (kept, kept [kept] ; [kept] )
STAY
1. intransitive, transitive to stay in a particular condition or position; to make sb/sth do this
• + adj. We huddled together to keep warm.
• + adv./prep. The notice said ‘Keep off (= Do not walk on) the grass’.
• Keep left along the wall.
• ~ sb/sth + adj. She kept the children amused for hours.
• ~ sb/sth (+ adv./prep.) He kept his coat on.
• Don't keep us in suspense — what happened next?
• She had trouble keeping her balance.
• ~ sb/sth doing sth I'm very sorry to keep you waiting.
CONTINUE
2. intransitive to continue doing sth; to do sth repeatedly
• ~ doing sth Keep smiling!
• ~ on doing sth Don't keep on interrupting me!
DELAY
3. transitive ~ sb to delay sb
Syn: hold somebody up
• You're an hour late— what kept you?
NOT GIVE BACK
4. transitive ~ sth to continue to have sth and not give it back or throw it away
• Here's a five dollar bill— please keep the change.
• I keep all her letters.
SAVE FOR SB
5. transitive (especially BrE) to save sth for sb
• ~ sth for sb Please keep a seat for me.
• ~ sb sth Please keep me a seat.
PUT/STORE
6. transitive ~ sth + adv./prep. to put or store sth in a particular place
• Keep your passport in a safe place.
SHOP/RESTAURANT
7. transitive ~ sth (especially BrE) to own and manage a shop/store or restaurant
• Her father kept a grocer's shop.
ANIMALS
8. transitive ~ sth to own and care for animals
• to keep bees/goats/hens
ABOUT HEALTH
9. intransitive + adv./prep. (informal) used to ask or talk about sb's health
• How is your mother keeping?
• We're all keeping well.
OF FOOD
10. intransitive to remain in good condition
• Finish off the pie— it won't keep.
• (informal, figurative) ‘I'd love to hear about it, but I'm late already.’ ‘That's OK— it'll keep (= I can tell you about it later).’
SECRET
11. transitive ~ a secret | ~ sth secret (from sb) to know sth and not tell it to anyone
• Can you keep a secret?
• She kept her past secret from us all.
PROMISE/APPOINTMENT
12. transitive ~ your promise/word | ~ an appointment to do what you have promised to do; to go where you have agreed to go
• She kept her promise to visit them.
• He failed to keep his appointment at the clinic.
DIARY/RECORD
13. transitive ~ a diary, an account, a record, etc. to write down sth as a record
• She kept a diary for over twenty years.
• Keep a note of where each item can be found.
• I kept a weekly account of my workload and activities.
SUPPORT SB
14. transitive ~ sb/yourself to provide what is necessary for sb to live; to support sb by paying for food, etc
• He scarcely earns enough to keep himself and his family.
PROTECT
15. transitive (formal) to protect sb from sth
• ~ sb May the Lord bless you and keep you (= used in prayers in the Christian Church).
• ~ sb from sth His only thought was to keep the boy from harm.
IN SPORT
16. transitive ~ goal/wicket (BrE) (in football ( soccer ), hockey, cricket, etc.) to guard or protect the goal or wicket
see also goalkeeper, wicketkeeper
Rem: Most idioms containing keep are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example keep house is at house.
Verb forms:
Word Origin:
late Old English cēpan ‘seize, take in’, also ‘care for, attend to’, of unknown origin.
Thesaurus:
keep verb
1. I, T
• We managed to keep warm.
stay • |formal remain •
keep/stay/remain awake/calm/cheerful/cool/dry/fine/healthy/quiet/silent
keep/stay close/still/warm
stay/remain alert/alive/asleep/loyal/safe/the same/a secret/shut/sober/upright
2. T, I (especially spoken)
• Keep smiling!
continue • • go on with sth/go on doing sth • • keep sth up/keep up with sth • • press ahead/on • |especially spoken carry (sth) on • • stick with sb/sth •
Opp: stop, Opp: give sth up
keep on/continue/go on/keep up/press ahead/carry on/stick with sth
keep/continue/go on/carry on/press ahead with doing sth
keep/continue/go on/carry on fighting/working/talking/improving sth/believing/building sth
3. T
• I've kept all her letters.
hold onto sth • • save • |formal retain •
Opp: lose, Opp: throw sth away
keep/retain control (of sth)
still keep/hold onto/retain sth
Keep or retain? Retain is formal and not used in spoken English. It often suggests that the thing that you keep will be useful in the future. Keep is a more general word.
4. T (especially BrE)
• I've kept two seats for us at the front.
save • • reserve • • hold •
Opp: give sth up
keep/save/reserve/hold sth for sb/sth
keep/save/reserve/hold a seat/place for sb/sth
keep/save some food for sb
Keep, save or reserve? Reserve is used especially when sth is officially saved for sb/sth. Keep and save are more often used if sth is saved for you unofficially, for example by a friend.
5. T
• Where do you keep the sugar?
store • • hoard • • stock up • • stockpile • |informal stash •
keep/store/hoard/stock up on/stockpile food
keep/store/stockpile weapons
keep/hoard/stash money
6. T
• My aunt kept chickens in her back yard.
breed • • rear • • raise •
keep/breed/rear sth for sth
keep/breed/rear/raise animals/cattle/horses/sheep
keep/breed/rear/raise sth in captivity
7. T
• She kept her promise to visit them.
carry sth out • • stand by sth • |AmE follow through • |BrE, formal honour • |AmE honor • |especially journalism business deliver •
Opp: break
keep/carry out/follow through on/honour/deliver on a promise
keep/stand by/follow through on/honour your word
keep to/stand by/follow through on/honour an agreement
keep to/carry out/stand by/follow through on a plan
Keep or honour? Honour is much more formal than keep in most cases. You can keep but not honour an appointment or engagement; you can honour but not keep sb's wishes.
8. T
• Keep a record of your child's illnesses.
hold • • store • |formal retain •
keep/hold/store/retain information/data
keep/hold a record/records
still/no longer keep/hold/store/retain sth
9. T (BrE)
• She doesn't earn enough to keep a family.
support • • provide for sb • • maintain •
keep/support/provide for/maintain a family/children/wife/husband
keep/support/provide for/maintain yourself
Which word? You can provide for sb on a continuous basis or by making a large one-off payment. If you keep, support or maintain sb, you provide for them on a continuous basis over a period of time.
Example Bank:
• Milk and cream should keep quite well in a fridge.
• Don't keep us in suspense — what happened next?
• I could not keep silent any longer.
• I want to keep on with part-time work for as long as possible.
• I wish you wouldn't keep on interrupting me!
• I'm amazed that she keeps so cheerful.
• I'm very sorry to keep you waiting.
• I've kept all her letters.
• I've kept two seats for us near the front.
• If we all keep to the agreement there won't be any problems.
• It was difficult for the team to keep to the plan.
• Keep close to me.
• My grandmother kept chickens in her back yard.
• Residents are not allowed to keep pets.
• Separate accounts must be kept for each different business activity.
• She had trouble keeping her balance.
• She handed me a ten dollar bill. ‘Here— keep the change.’
• She needed to keep busy.
• Sit down and keep calm!
• The documents are all kept under lock and key.
• The man in the shop said he'd keep it for me until Friday.
• The notice said ‘Keep off the grass’.
• This voucher should be kept. It will be accepted by the Inland Revenue as evidence of a Tax Credit.
• Try to keep active in the cold weather.
• Village clerks were unable to keep a proper record of deaths because they were so frequent.
• We managed to keep dry by huddling in a doorway.
• Where do you keep the sugar?
• to keep bees/goats
• At the time many working men did not earn enough to keep a wife and children.
• He kept himself by giving private lessons.
• I must go now. I've kept you from your dinner too long.
• I need to work— I can't go on being a kept man.
• I won't keep you long. I've just got a couple of quick questions.
• You're an hour late— what kept you?
Idioms: for keeps ▪ keep going ▪ keep somebody going
Derived: keep at something ▪ keep away ▪ keep back ▪ keep down ▪ keep from something ▪ keep in with somebody ▪ keep off ▪ keep off something ▪ keep on ▪ keep out ▪ keep out of something ▪ keep somebody after ▪ keep somebody at something ▪ keep somebody away ▪ keep somebody back ▪ keep somebody down ▪ keep somebody from something ▪ keep somebody in ▪ keep somebody in something ▪ keep somebody off ▪ keep somebody off somebody ▪ keep somebody on ▪ keep somebody out ▪ keep somebody out of something ▪ keep somebody under ▪ keep somebody up ▪ keep something back ▪ keep something down ▪ keep something from somebody ▪ keep something from something ▪ keep something in ▪ keep something on ▪ keep something to yourself ▪ keep something up ▪ keep to something ▪ keep to yourself ▪ keep up ▪ keep up with somebody ▪ keep up with something ▪ keep yourself from something
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
keep / kiːp / verb ( kept , kept ) (CONTINUE TO HAVE)
A2 [ T ] to have or continue to have in your possession:
Do you want this photograph back or can I keep it?
Keep medicines in a locked cupboard (= store them there) .
→ See also well kept (HIDDEN)
[ T ] to own and manage a small shop:
My uncle kept a little tobacconist's in Gloucester.
B2 [ T ] If you keep animals, you own and take care of them, but not in your home as pets:
to keep pigs/goats/chickens
[ T ] US to watch and care for someone's children while their parents are away:
Jody will keep the children while I shop.
keep your promise/word B2 to do what you have told someone that you would do:
I made a promise to you and I intend to keep it.
keep an appointment to go to a meeting or event that has been arranged:
She phoned to say she couldn't keep her appointment.
keep a diary, an account, a record, etc. B2 to make a regular record of events or other information so that you can refer to it later:
I've kept a diary for twelve years now.
Keep an account of how much you're spending.
keep a secret
B1 to not tell anyone a secret that you know
keep time (of a watch or clock) to show the correct time:
Does your watch keep good time?
keep goal
to be the player who defends your team's goal by trying to prevent players from the other team scoring goals
keep / kiːp / verb [ L only + adj , T ] ( kept , kept ) (STAY)
A2 to (cause to) stay in a particular place or condition:
I wish you'd keep quiet.
I like to keep busy.
Keep left (= stay on the road to the left) at the traffic lights.
Can you keep the dog outside, please?
[ + obj + adj ] Close the door to keep the room warm.
The noise from their party kept me awake half the night.
keep / kiːp / verb [ I + -ing verb ] ( kept , kept ) ( also keep on ) (CONTINUE DOING)
B1 to continue doing something without stopping, or to do it repeatedly:
He keeps try ing to distract me.
I keep on think ing I've seen her before somewhere.
I kept hop ing that he'd phone me.
keep / kiːp / verb ( kept , kept ) (DELAY)
B1 [ T ] to delay someone or prevent them from doing something:
He's very late, what's keeping him?
[ + -ing verb ] I'm so sorry to keep you waiting .
She kept me talk ing on the phone for half an hour.
I hope I'm not keeping you up (= preventing you from going to bed) .
[ I ] If you say that news or information for someone can keep, you mean that you can tell it to them later:
"I must tell you something." "Can't it keep? I'm in a hurry!"
Whatever your news is, it will keep.
keep / kiːp / verb [ I ] ( kept , kept ) (STAY FRESH)
B2 (of food) to stay fresh and in good condition:
Milk keeps much longer in a fridge.
keep / kiːp / verb [ T ] ( kept , kept ) (PROVIDE)
C1 to provide yourself or another person with food, clothing, a home, and other things necessary for basic living:
He wanted a job that would allow him to keep his family in comfort.
© Cambridge University Press 2013
Collins Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary
keep
[ki͟ːp]
♦
keeps, keeping, kept
1) V-LINK-ERG If someone keeps or is kept in a particular state, they remain in it.
[V n adj/prep] The noise kept him awake...
[V n adj/prep] Reggie was being kept busy behind the bar...
[V adj/prep] To keep warm they burnt wood in a rusty oil barrel...
[V adj/prep] For several years I kept in touch with her.
2) V-ERG If you keep or you are kept in a particular position or place, you remain in it.
[V adv/prep] Keep away from the doors while the train is moving...
[V n with adv] He kept his head down, hiding his features...
[V n with adv] It was against all orders to smoke, but a cigarette kept away mosquitoes...
[V n prep] Doctors will keep her in hospital for at least another week.
Syn:
stay
3) V-ERG If you keep off something or keep away from it, you avoid it. If you keep out of something, you avoid getting involved in it.
[V prep/adv] I managed to stick to the diet and keep off sweet foods...
[V prep/adv] He's going to be a fantastic player if he keeps away from booze and women...
[V n prep/adv] The best way to keep babies off sugar is to go back to the natural diet and eat lots of fresh fruit.
Syn:
stay
4) VERB If someone or something keeps you from a particular action, they prevent you from doing it.
[V n from -ing] Embarrassment has kept me from doing all sorts of things...
[V n from -ing] He kept her from being lonely...
[V n from -ing] What can you do to keep it from happening again?
Syn:
stop
5) VERB If you try to keep from doing something, you try to stop yourself from doing it.
[V from -ing] She bit her lip to keep from crying...
[V from -ing] He had to lean on Dan to keep from falling.
6) VERB If you keep something from someone, you do not tell them about it.
[V n from n] She knew that Gabriel was keeping something from her.
7) VERB If you keep doing something, you do it repeatedly or continue to do it.
[V -ing] I keep forgetting it's December...
[V -ing] I turned back after a while, but he kept walking...
PHRASAL VERB
Keep on means the same as keep. V P -ing Did he give up or keep on trying?... V P -ing My wife keeps on saying that I work too hard.
8) VERB Keep is used with some nouns to indicate that someone does something for a period of time or continues to do it. For example, if you keep a grip on something, you continue to hold or control it.
[V n] Until last year, the regime kept a tight grip on the country...
[V n] One of them would keep a look-out on the road behind to warn us of approaching vehicles...
[V n] His parents kept a vigil by his bedside as he was given brain and body scans.
9) VERB If you keep something, you continue to have it in your possession and do not throw it away, give it away, or sell it.
[V n] `I like this dress,' she said. `Keep it. You can have it,' said Daphne...
[V n] Lathan had to choose between marrying her and keeping his job.
10) VERB If you keep something in a particular place, you always have it or store it in that place so that you can use it whenever you need it.
[V n prep/adv] She kept her money under the mattress...
[V n prep/adv] She remembered where she kept the gun...
[V n adj] To make it easier to contact us, keep this card handy.
11) VERB When you keep something such as a promise or an appointment, you do what you said you would do.
[V n] I'm hoping you'll keep your promise to come for a long visit...
[V n] He had again failed to keep his word.
12) VERB If you keep a record of a series of events, you write down details of it so that they can be referred to later.
[V n] Eleanor began to keep a diary...
[V n] The volunteers kept a record of everything they ate for a week.
13) VERB If you keep yourself or keep someone else, you support yourself or the other person by earning enough money to provide food, clothing, money, and other necessary things.
[V n] She could just about afford to keep her five kids...
[V pron-refl] I just cannot afford to keep myself...
[V n in n] He married an Armenian with a good dowry, who kept him in silk cravats.
14) N-SING: poss N Someone's keep is the cost of food and other things that they need in their daily life.
Ray will earn his keep on local farms while studying...
I need to give my parents money for my keep.
15) VERB If you keep animals, you own them and take care of them.
[V n] I've brought you some eggs. We keep chickens...
[V n as n] This mad writer kept a lobster as a pet.
16) VERB If you keep a business such as a small shop or hotel, you own it and manage it.
[V n] His father kept a village shop.
17) VERB If someone or something keeps you, they delay you and make you late.
[V n] Sorry to keep you, Jack...
[V n] `What kept you?' - `I went in the wrong direction.'
18) VERB If food keeps for a certain length of time, it stays fresh and suitable to eat for that time.
Whatever is left over may be put into the refrigerator, where it will keep for 2-3 weeks.
19) VERB: only cont You can say or ask how someone is keeping as a way of saying or asking whether they are well.
[V adv] She hasn't been keeping too well lately...
[V adv] How are you keeping these days?
20) N-COUNT A keep is the main tower of a medieval castle, in which people lived.
21) PHRASE: V inflects If you keep at it, you continue doing something that you have started, even if you are tired and would prefer to stop.
It may take a number of attempts, but it is worth keeping at it...
`Keep at it!' Thade encouraged me.
Syn:
persevere
22) PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v Something that is for keeps is permanent and will not change. [INFORMAL]
Ensure that whatever you gain now will be for keeps...
He advised them to leave town for keeps.
Syn:
for good
23) PHRASE: keep inflects If you keep going, you continue moving along or doing something that you have started, even if you are tired and would prefer to stop.
She forced herself to keep going...
I was shouting: `Keep going, keep going!'
24) PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR with cl, oft PHR with n If one thing is in keeping with another, it is suitable in relation to that thing. If one thing is out of keeping with another, you mean that it is not suitable in relation to that thing.
His office was in keeping with his station and experience...
In keeping with tradition, the Emperor and Empress did not attend the ceremony...
His own response to it seemed to be out of keeping with his earlier expressed opinions.
25) PHRASE: V inflects If you keep it up, you continue working or trying as hard as you have been in the past.
There are fears that he will not be able to keep it up when he gets to the particularly demanding third year...
You're doing a great job! Keep it up!
26) PHRASE: V inflects If you keep something to yourself, you do not tell anyone else about it.
I have to tell someone. I can't keep it to myself...
There's one thing you can do for me. But keep it to yourself.
27) PHRASE: V inflects If you keep yourself to yourself or keep to yourself, you stay on your own most of the time and do not mix socially with other people.
He was a quiet man who kept himself to himself...
Since she knows little Italian, she keeps to herself.
Ant:
socialize
28) to keep someone company → see company
to keep your end up → see end
to keep a straight face → see face
to keep your hand in → see hand
to keep your head → see head
to keep house → see house
to keep pace → see pace
to keep the peace → see peace
to keep a secret → see secret
to keep time → see time
to keep track → see track
Phrasal Verbs:
- keep back
- keep down
- keep in with
- keep on
- keep on about
- keep on at
- keep to
- keep up
Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary
1keep /ˈkiːp/ verb keeps; kept /ˈkɛpt/; keep·ing
1 [+ obj] : to continue having or holding (something) : to not return, lose, sell, give away, or throw away (something)
• She's going to keep the money she found.
• I can't decide whether to sell my old car or keep it for another year.
• While the company laid off some employees, others had hopes of keeping their jobs.
• The shirt will keep [=retain] its shape after many washings.
• an actress who has kept her looks/beauty [=continued to be attractive/beautiful] as she has grown older
• “The fare is $4.” “Here's $5. Keep the change.”
• He struggled to keep his cool/composure. [=to remain calm; to not become upset or angry]
• He vowed to keep his silence about what he had seen. [=to not tell anyone about what he had seen]
2 a [linking verb] : to continue in a specified state, condition, or position
• I asked them to keep quiet.
• keep still/warm
• He vowed to keep silent about what he had seen. [=to not tell anyone about what he had seen]
• She likes to keep [=stay] busy.
• The program teaches kids how to keep safe near water.
• Have you kept in touch with your college roommate? [=have you continued to talk to or write to your college roommate?]
b [+ obj] : to cause (someone or something) to continue in a specified state, condition, or position
• I tried to keep the children quiet during the ceremony.
• The local newspaper keeps people informed about what's happening in town.
• The article offers tips on how to keep kids safe near water.
• The movie will keep you on the edge of your seat.
• We need to keep costs under control.
• This scarf will help keep you warm.
• She keeps herself fit by jogging.
• He kept his hands behind his back while we were talking.
• Keep both hands on the steering wheel.
• It was so cold inside that I kept my coat on.
• I promise I'll keep your decision a secret. [=I will not tell anyone your decision]
• Keep the mixture chilled until you are ready to serve it.
3 [+ obj]
a : to cause or force (someone) to stay in a place
• I won't keep you (here) much longer.
• The doctors want to keep me in (the hospital) for further tests.
• If you're in a hurry, don't let me keep you.
• keep a prisoner in jail
• She kept the children in the house during the storm.
• There was nothing to keep me in the city.
b : to cause (someone) to be late
• You're late. What kept you? [=what delayed you?; why are you late?]
4 [+ obj]
a : to do (something) continuously or again and again - + -ing verb
• The teacher asked them to be quiet, but they just kept talking.
• The rain kept falling all afternoon.
• The dog keeps running away.
• Keep walking/driving until you come to a traffic light.
- often + on
• The band's music just keeps on getting better (and better).
• I'll never get this work done if you keep on interrupting me.
b : to cause (someone or something) to do something continuously or again and again - + -ing verb
• She has a desire for success that keeps her striving to do better.
• His boss kept him waiting [=forced him to wait] for over an hour.
• They want to keep the company growing.
- see also keep going (below)
5 [+ obj]
a : to do what is required by (something, such as a promise)
• She always keeps her promises/word. [=she always does what she promises to do; she always does what she says she will do]
• He failed to keep his appointment. [=he did not go to his appointment; he missed his appointment]
b : to not tell (a secret)
• I can keep a secret.
• a poorly kept secret [=a secret that has been told to many people]
• a well-kept secret [=a secret that has not been told to people]
c somewhat formal : to act properly in relation to (something)
• He keeps [=observes] the Sabbath.
• They keep kosher.
6 [+ obj]
a : to store (something) in a specified place
• They keep the ketchup in the refrigerator.
• I keep my socks in a drawer.
• The sheets are kept in the closet.
• He keeps his wallet in his back pocket.
b : to have or hold (something) for later use instead of using it now
• We'll eat some of the cookies now and keep [=save] some for later.
• I'll keep my news until later. [=I'll tell you my news later]
• (Brit) Would you keep [=(US) save] a seat for me?
7 [no obj] of food : to continue to be in a good condition
• Carrots and potatoes keep well.
• The meat will keep in the freezer for several months.
- sometimes used figuratively
• I have something to tell you, but it will keep. [=I can tell you later]
8 [+ obj] formal : to protect (someone)
• May the Lord bless you and keep you.
- usually + from
• May the Lord keep you from harm.
9 [+ obj] : to produce (something, such as a journal or record) by putting information in a book, document, etc., over a period of time
• She kept a diary/journal.
• He keeps a detailed record of all his purchases.
• She keeps a list of books for future reading.
10 [+ obj]
a : to take care of (something)
• keep [=tend] a garden
• We kept chickens and goats when I was a child.
b : to operate (something, such as a business) : manage
• They keep [=(more commonly) run] a bed-and-breakfast.
• (chiefly Brit) keep a shop
11 [+ obj] somewhat old-fashioned
a : to have (something) available for use
• He keeps a car even though he lives in the city.
b : to have a continuing sexual relationship with (someone who is not your husband or wife)
• a married man who keeps a mistress
• She never married but she kept a lover for years.
• a kept man/woman [=a man/woman who is kept as a lover by someone]
How are you keeping? Brit
- used to ask if someone feels good, bad, happy, well, etc.
• “How are you keeping [=how are you doing], Jill?” “Oh, pretty well, thanks.”
keep after [phrasal verb]
1 keep after (someone) informal : to tell (someone) again and again to do something
• My kids kept after me to quit smoking, so I finally did.
• I wasn't going to audition, but my friends kept after me.
2 keep (someone) after US : to require (a student) to stay at school after classes have ended
• The teacher kept him after (school) for misbehaving in class.
keep at [phrasal verb]
1 keep at it : to continue doing or trying to do something
• If you keep at it long enough you'll succeed.
• The project was difficult, but we kept at it and eventually it was done.
2 keep (someone) at it : to force or cause (someone) to continue doing something
• The coach kept us (hard) at it until late afternoon.
keep back [phrasal verb]
1 : to not go near something
• The police asked the spectators to keep back. [=stay back]
• The guide told us to keep back from the edge of the cliff.
2 keep (someone) back or keep back (someone)
a : to not allow (someone) to go near something
• The police kept the spectators back.
b US : to not allow (a student) to advance to the next grade level - usually used as (be) kept back
• Students who fail the exam may be kept back a year.
c Brit : to require (a student) to stay at school after classes have ended
• She was kept back [=(US) kept after, kept after school] for talking in class.
3 keep (something) back or keep back (something) : to not allow (something) to appear or be known
• He struggled to keep back his tears. [=he tried hard not to cry]
• The government kept back [=withheld] some crucial information from the media.
keep company [phrasal verb]
1 keep company with (someone) : to spend time with (someone) - usually used figuratively
• In her garden, roses keep company with lilies.
2 keep (someone) company : to spend time with (someone who would be alone if you were not there)
• I'll keep you company while you wait for the train.
keep down [phrasal verb]
1 : to stay close to the ground or floor
• The soldiers were ordered to keep down. [=stay down]
2 keep (someone) down : to prevent (someone) from succeeding, winning, etc.
• You can't keep a good man down. [=you can't prevent a good or talented person from succeeding]
3 keep (something) down or keep down (something)
a : to prevent (something) from increasing or rising
• The company is trying to keep down costs/expenses/prices.
• She watered the path to keep the dust down.
b : to prevent (something) from coming up from your stomach and into your mouth again
• He was so ill that he could only keep down a small amount of food.
4 keep it down
- used to ask someone to be quiet
• Please keep it down in there. I'm trying to study.
keep from [phrasal verb]
1 keep from (doing something) or keep (someone or something) from (doing something) : to not do or experience (something) : to prevent or stop (someone or something) from doing or experiencing (something)
• She found it hard to keep from laughing. [=she found it hard not to laugh]
• She's been trying to keep herself from eating too much candy.
• An umbrella will keep you from getting wet.
• It's difficult to keep from feeling worried about this situation.
• He was anxious to keep his son from getting into trouble.
• Her happy nature kept her from worrying.
• I don't want to keep you from (doing) your work. = I don't want to keep you from working.
• She tied the knot tightly to keep it from loosening.
• The company has taken steps to keep the building from being broken into again.
• It was hard to keep from [=avoid] confusing the twins.
2 keep (something) from (someone) : to not tell (something) to (someone)
• What information are you keeping from me? [=what information are you not telling me?]
• They think the government is keeping [=withholding] the truth from us.
keep going [phrasal verb]
1 : to continue moving forward
• He walked right past me and just kept going.
2 : to continue doing something
• I was ready to give up on the search, but they convinced me to keep going. [=to continue searching]
3 keep (someone) going : to make (someone) able to continue doing something at a difficult time
• I don't know what keeps her going after all these years.
• Their grandson is the only thing keeping them going.
4 keep (something) going : to cause (something) to continue to exist or function
• They tried everything they could think of to keep the business going.
• He kept the conversation going.
keep house
- see 1house
keep in [phrasal verb]
1 keep (something) in : to not show or express (something, such as an emotion)
• You shouldn't keep your anger in all the time.
2 keep (someone) in (something) : to continue to provide (someone) with (something needed or wanted)
• It's very expensive keeping my children in clothes that fit.
3 keep in with (someone) chiefly Brit : to remain friendly with (someone)
• She's always kept in with the people with power.
keep off [phrasal verb]
1 keep off (something) or keep (someone or something) off (something) : to stop or prevent (someone or something) from being on (something)
• Keep [=stay] off the grass. [=do not walk on the grass]
• Please keep the dog off the sofa.
2 keep (weight) off : to continue to weigh a lower amount than you formerly weighed : to not regain weight that you have lost
• She has managed to keep (most of) the weight off for two years.
• Losing weight is not as hard as keeping it off.
3 a keep off (something) : to not talk about (something)
• I think we'd better keep off [=avoid] the subject of the war.
b keep (someone) off (something) : to prevent (someone) from talking about (something)
• We tried to keep them off (the subject of) the war.
keep on [phrasal verb]
1 informal : to continue happening, doing something, working, etc.
• The rain kept on [=kept up] throughout the day.
• He talked and talked. At one point I thought he would keep on all night.
2 keep (someone) on : to continue to have (someone) as an employee
• The chef was kept on even after the restaurant was sold.
3 keep on at (someone) chiefly Brit informal : to say the same thing to (someone) again and again in a way that is annoying
• My parents kept on at me to go back to college.
keep out [phrasal verb]
1 : to not enter a place
• The sign on the door said “Keep out!”
2 keep out of (something)
a : to not enter (a place)
• We were told to keep out of his office.
• Please keep [=stay] out of the way.
b : to not become involved in (something)
• This argument doesn't involve you, so you should just keep [=stay] out of it.
3 keep out (someone or something) or keep (someone or something) out (of a place) : to stop or prevent (someone or something) from entering (a place)
• The curtains help keep out the drafts.
• Keep the cat out of the bedroom.
keep pace with
- see 1pace
keep score
- see 1score
keep tabs on
- see 1tab
keep the faith
- see faith
keep time
- see 1time
keep to [phrasal verb]
1 keep to (something)
a : to stay in or on (something) : to not leave (something)
• He kept to the house most of the time.
• She keeps to the main roads when she travels.
b : to not go beyond (something)
• He tried to keep [=stick] to his budget.
c : to act or behave in the way required by (something)
• keep to [=abide by, obey] the rules of the game
d : to not move away from or change (something)
• I wish you'd just keep to [=stick to] the point.
• They kept to their story.
2 keep to yourself
a or chiefly Brit keep yourself to yourself : to stay apart from other people : to avoid other people
• She was a shy girl who kept pretty much to herself.
b keep (something) to yourself : to keep (something) secret
• He knew what the facts were but kept them to himself. [=he did not tell anyone what the facts were]
• She likes to keep things to herself.
keep track
- see 1track
keep up [phrasal verb]
1 : to go or make progress at the same rate as others : to stay even with others in a race, competition, etc.
• The leader began to run faster, and the other runners found it hard to keep up.
- often + with
• The other runners struggled to keep up with the leader.
• He found it difficult to keep up with the rest of the class.
2 : to continue to know the newest information about something
• There is so much happening in the world now that I find it hard to keep up. [=stay informed]
• I find it hard to keep up on/with the news.
3 : to continue happening
• The rain kept up all night.
• The gunfire kept up for a long time.
4 keep up with (someone) informal : to continue to talk to or write to (someone)
• She still keeps up with [=keeps in touch with] her old friends from college.
5 keep (someone) up : to prevent (someone) from sleeping
• I hope our party didn't keep you up all night!
6 keep (something) up or keep up (something)
a : to continue doing (something)
• Keep up the good work.
• Keep that up and you'll get into trouble!
b : to prevent (something) from getting worse, weaker, etc.
• We need to keep standards up.
• Keep your spirits up!
• The house had been kept up [=maintained] nicely.
• You need to exercise more to keep your strength up.
c
✦If you keep up your end of something (such as a bargain or agreement) you do what you have promised or agreed to do.
• I'm never sure if she will keep up her end of the deal.
keep up appearances
- see appearance
keep up with the Joneses
- see joneses
keep your chin up
- see chin
keep your distance
- see 1distance
keep your head
- see 1head